The Bismarck Tribune

ANNIVERSARY FETE IS WELL ATTENDED AT FIRST LUTHERAN

Services Saturday and Sunday Mark Celebration by Important Local Parish

The history of the First Lutheran church, which had its foundations in North Dakota's territorial days, was reviewed and relived by the congregation when the 50th anniversary was celebrated in three special jubilee services held Saturday evening and Sunday morning and afternoon.

Guest speakers who came from Minneapolis for the occasion were Rev. A. G. Olson, Minneapolis, who served as pastor for about three years, commencing in July of 1897, and Rev. Anton Lundin, Minneapolis, traveling evangelist for the Minnesota conference of the Minnesota synod.

Rev. Olson took the place of Dr. James Moody, also of Minneapolis who served the congregation for a time in 1907 and again for a short time after the departure of Rev. Emil Benzon in November, 1932. Dr. Moody was prevented from coming by injuries which he received in an automobile accident near Valley City Wednesday. He wrote from Minneapolis that he would be happy to visit the congregation on some future occasion.

C. O. Larsen presided at the Saturday evening program which was opened with prayer by Rev. Adolph Johns, pastor. Musical numbers included selections by the Melville orchestra, "Helige Fader" sung by a quartet composed of Edward Nelson, H. A. Swenson, Henry Danrot and O. N. Nordlund, and a number of hymns. Mrs. Johns played the piano accompaniment for the quartet.

Olson Tells Experiences

Reminiscences of his pastorate were given by Rev. Olson, who told of the strenuous duties of ministers in the days before the automobile. He expressed the hope that the interest shown in the church would continue and that the church would prosper.

Mrs. Grant Peterson of Braddock daughter of Mrs. E. F. Alfson of Bismarck and the late Rev. Alfson, read a greeting which her mother had prepared for the occasion. Rev. Alfson served the congregation for 15 years starting in 1910.

Rev. Johns read a number of communications which had been received from former pastors and friends of the church. The greetings read were from Lars W. Gulstrom, who left 28 years ago after serving the congregation for five and a half years; Rev. and Mrs. A. J. Malmquist and family, Rev. Benzon, August Westlund of Braddock, the congregation of the Trinity Lutheran church by their pastor, Rev. Opie S. Rindahl. Sigrid Alfson Scannell of Washington, D. C., Mr. and Mrs. J. August Carlson of Dickinson, Mr. and Mrs. N. E. Bystrom of Red Wing, Minn., Mrs. Esther Hoover Bolton of Fargo and Mr. and Mrs. H. R. Magnuson of Aberdeen, S. D.

Miss Olson Reads History

A complete history of the church from 1883 when the articles of incorporation were filed was read by Miss Mabel Olson who compiled the material from the church records and from personal interviews with people prominently identified with its development.

Mr. Larsen in behalf of the congregation presented old-fashioned bouquets of pink and white roses and asters to Mr. Daniel Sundquist for Mrs. Sundquist who is now in Minneapolis and to Mrs. Alfson who was present. Mr. and Mrs. Sundquist have been members of the church for 49 years.

Mrs. Johns was called on for a reading and gave "The Prairie Mother" by Kaufman. At the close of the program, Mr. Larsen showed a number of pictures of Bismarck in the early days and of former ministers of the church and their families.

Lunch was served to the congregation and guests when they retired to the church parlors after the program. A three-tiered white frosted cake, surrounded by 50 burning candles, formed the centerpiece for the table from which the lunch was served buffet style. Baskets of burnt orange chrysanthemums completed the table decorations.

Rev. Lundin Speaks

The church was again filled for the two services on Sunday. There was special music for each service.

Rev. Lundin used "Thy Sins Are Forgiven Thee" as his subject when he preached the morning sermon, making a plea that all join in receiving communion. The chief thought expressed by Rev. Lundin was that the marks of sin go with people through life but there is abundant forgiveness for all in Christ Jesus.

In the afternoon when he preached the anniversary address, Rev. Lundin emphasized the benefits that may be gained through church fellowship. He spoke of the communion of saints and drew several analogies from the Bible to apply to the family, the life of Christ and the bride of Christ.

Members of Maria Lutheran church at Braddock heard Rev. Lundin when he gave a missionary sermon there Sunday evening. He told chiefly of the religious revival which is occurring in China at the present time and of the experiences he had when he was held captive by Chinese bandits while serving as a missionary to China.